Assorting apparatus.



D. H. PARCE.

ASSORTING APPARATUS.

APlfLlcArlon msn MAY 29. 191s.

Pate'ntd Mar. 6,

2 suina-shin 2 4- INVENTUR 'vide an apparatus .for sortingartieles of 4iii v into separate lots,

,of said identifyingl tags.

.accoiiipa nei-iig DONALD H.'1 ARCE, or OAK-LAND, CALIFORNIA V'Assoviriie APPARATUS.

Specification of Letters Patent.

'Patented-:Marl 6, 191'?.

` Application 'filed May 29, 1916'.l Serial NO. 100,132.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, DONALD H, Pinion, a citizen of the United States, and a resident .of Oakland, county of laineda',. State of California, have invented a new and useful AssortingApparatus, of which the followiing is a specification.

My invention relates to automatic assorting \apparatus similar to that disclosed in my cri-pending application Serial Number 84.71016. l

An object of my invention is to provide an apparatus for assorting and collecting articlesof like description or ownership..

Another objeetof my invention is to providev an apparatus in which articles bearing different identifying tagsaresorted from each other and deposited at predetermined points in accordance with the characteristics Another` object of my invei'ition is to provide an assorting apparatus into which tagged articles may be loaded and secu-red by the tags, the form of the tag being siieh that the apparatus `will deposit it and the article to which it is vattached at a' predetermined' point.

Another object of my invention is, -tO provide an apparatus for sorting Vpieces of laundry to which tagshave been attached, and depositing the ltagged articles 'at prede-` `terniinecl points with the tagged ends tov getlier. 4 l

Another object of my invention is to prolaundry which inav be used in connection with the asserting tag Awhich is thel subject of my'coaieiiding application Serial Suinbcr 100.731; 4

i\iiotlier objeet fof niy invention isto provide an apparatus for asserting articles and recording the total number; of articles -as- 'sorted and the number in Aeach assortment.,

Theiiivention possesses other `features Of advantage. some of which. with the Iforegoing. will'be set foi'th'iii the following de-v scriptioirof tliep'referred forni of my4 in ventioii which. is illustrated in the drawings and forming part ofthe specifications. j lt 'is to be understood that :I

do not limit iiiyself to` the showing made "the figure.

the saiddiawings and description, as I vmay adOptvari-ations of the preferred forni with` in the scope of my invention as set forth in the claims. i

Referring to the drawings: l1 igure 1 is a side bii-olienV away to .reduce tlielength of the figure. The loadingside of the apparatus `is shown. i

frame are broken away to reduce the size of Fig. ,l is a section throiatrh the receiver taken O ii the vline -l`l of 2. Figs. 5to f) inclusi-ve are views of the five tags comprising the first division of the first series of tags. F i-g. G is a view of the cornplete tag and pin. the pin and a portion o f the shank being omitted in Figs. 5, 7, S and 9;

Figs. l() to 13 inclusive areY fragmentary views showing' the conformation of the tops of the first vtags in each ,of tliesecoiid, third,

'fourth and fifth divisions respectively, all

ofthe rst series of tags.

Figs. 1l to '15 are lfraginentary views showing the conforiiiation of the 'tops Vof the first and second tags in the first divisionl of the second series of tags. i

' Fig. 16 is a side view of the tag.

Figs; '1T and 1S are fragmentary side views 4showing' modified forms of the tag@ Fig. 19 is a fragmentary se-etionalview through the track taken' iii a vertical plane andshowing the tag resting in its seat on the carrier.

Fig. is a fragmentary aiiparatus of. my invention manyI different industries,

elevation of a part of the assorting apparatus, a portion being' a plan of a part of the asserting showing 'the trackway, -rneeha-` -sectional view'l through the ti:icl,takeii in a vertical `plane but I consider that one'of its most useful .bearing that number attached thereto, and,

`applications will be in laundries and dry cleaning establishments for the automatic asserting into individual lots or bundles of the Washed or cleaned articles andI shall therefore describe my invention in this ap! plication in connection with this use.

In laundries the labor of sorting out the` individual articles belonging to the various patrons is now, so far as I am aware, performed by hand. The process is a. slow one, attended by many Vchances of error and is, therefore, apt to be unduly costly. It is'one of the objects of my invention .to provide an apparatus vby means ofwhich this\assorting is done rapidly, accurately and cheaply.

lAll articles coming into a laundry to be Washed are marked in some way, usually with ink" or a label. These methods are ob-V ]ect-ionable land expensive and in no way further the-Work of asserting which must be accomplished piece by piece with handvlabor. In using my invention, a` tag is pinned oiito each piece or group of small pieces to be Washed-When the bundle is received. Preferably the tag is numbered and only tags of the same number or description are pinned to pieces ina given lotv or bundle. The bundle from the home'of J. Roe is, for instance, allotted the number 12 and each'piece i'n the bund-le or group of small pieces, has a tag all the tags bear that number and are of the same conformation or description. `Preferaby, the pieces are counted when the bundle is first opened and the tags attached and a memorandum of the name, of the owner of f the bundle or tag number and the number of pieces in the bundle, is made for future ref# erence as will be made clear herein. It is seen, therefore, that the tag'is an identifying means. taking the place of the ink marking and attached labels, and this, thatis, the

I function ofidentifying the article to rwhich pleted,`the articles may be dried in the unv sortedfstate and then sorted; Aor the sorting it is attached, is the first of several functions possessed bythe tag; After. the Washing process has been coinand drying steps may lie-combined. 'So far as my invention is concerned, it is immateA ria-l,- for in eithercase the tagged article or group of sinall articles. as for instance sereralfhandkerchiefs together on' `one tag. are loaded into the conveyer ofiny assortiiigaliparatus by, the operator and are then carried' out from the loading point and deposited at pointsdetermined by the characteristics or conformation of the ta g. The coiireyer may be arranged to ri'indthrough a `drying' room after leaving the loadingpoint.jtlie piecesof `laundry beingloaded -iret and the pieces be' mg dried as they pass through 'the drying 'I room'. On `emergingfrom the drying room the pieces are automatically assorted. If desired, the pieces are dried unassorted and are Vnot loaded into the asserting apparatusuntil dry. Theloading of the tagged pieces into `the conveyer of the apparatus is effected by slipping the tag into a slot in a .carrier on the conveyer which travelsat a low speed past the l'oadingpoint.v The piece is pendently supported frointhe tag which alone is held by the carrier. T his is the second'function performedby the tag, viz., that of supporting or carrying the piece, while it is bev ving conveyed from the loading point to the point of discharge fromthe conveyor.

The tags are released from the apparatus at predetermined points and these points are fixed by the shape or conformation of the head of the tag and by its size. shape and size is released at a certain point and all tags'of that shape and size are released at the same point. Other shapes and sizes are released at other points. each shape and size of tag corresponding to a. definite point 'of'i'elease p and size the release of the piece from the conveyer at a predetermined point, the tag performs a third function; that of -as sorting the pieces.

lVhen the pices are released from the' conveyerjat the predetermined points, each lot or bundle is found to be collected together in a certain portion of the apparatus from vivheiice the pieces are removed and the tags taken off. The -piec'es are'then ready to be bundled and shipped out. Counters to'indicate the total number of pieces sorted and to showY the quantity -in each collector or bundleat the close of the run may be arranged upon the '.machinel- The tags, (Figs. 5 to 18 inclusive.) '.lhetag comprises a flat plate or head 2,

A given l'n effecting by its shape formed'preferably of metal inertin the va-A rious liquids .used in laundries, A shank 3 extends from the head, and fastening means for `attaching' the tag to the articles -tobe :is-

sorted, such as a pin 4, is attached to the .shank, one side-ofy which is turned vover to of the pin closes. y I In order to support the tag in the jaws 7 provide a lip 6 into .Which the sharp point.

.of the carrier v8 during the first stage'of its progress lthrough the assorting mechanism, and in` the slot 9 of the receiver 12 and slot- 13 of the collector'lat during the last stage,

' the head '2 of the tag is provided with a lug I 16 onboth sides rigidly secured to the tag. vPreferably the ends of the lugs are knobbed orupsetjas shown in Fig. 16. 'If desired, the lug may be left of cylindrical formas shown in Fig.- 17,'01` vit may serve asf-a shaft vupon Which'small rollers 17, Fig.- 18, are mounted.

liti

' 'During the middle stage vfof the tags progress through the machine itis supported by the contact of the' track members 21 and with the shoulders E23 which are 'formed on' each side of the shank The width of these shcnilders varies in the tags of any` given division as shown by Figsa to t) inclusive.

It must not be understood that any particular 'size or pro] )ortion oit tags are essential in the practice ot iny invention, but I have found it coi'ivei'iient to make the sinallest tag .50 maxil'nuin width. the next size .55, the next .60 the next .65 and the la rgest .70. liv arranging slots of cor responding widths between the tracks 21 and E22, the tags drop through at delinite places therein. This 'ariation in width one ot the two means-.which I provide tor eli'eet- `ing the automatic assorting oi the tags and attached articles. More than tive widths ot tag may be lused it' desired, but this is a number giving a convenient size. neither too small nor too large, and with sul'l'eient variation between the sizes to make great aeeu rac)r of the correlating mechanism unneces sary. A second `meansl oi' dili'erentiatingthe tags is provided by the `shape oi. the top. portion of the head and I find it convenient to use five diilierent shapes tor each width ot' tag head, thus giving twentyflive diti'erent tags whicl'rvarv trom each other in width or shape or both width and shape. The

variations in shape are lneterably obtained b v notches Q5 c ut in one of the upper corners so that the shape or extent o't' the tag relative to the horizontal and vertical center lilies through the lug 1G is varied. For eonveliienee. they groul'i of tags shown in Figs. 5 to El inclusive are referred to as tags ot the first division. It will bel observed that while the units ot this division vary in the may be made with prcn'iortions and dimensions other than those which I have mentioned. The tags or units of the second division ditler from those of the 'iirstonl'v in the dil'nension X which is conveniently made llo. Fig. 1() illustrates the shape ot' the top of the first tag of the seconddivision and the other tour tags ot this division var v in size as shown in Figs'. 5 to 0 inclusive, only diliering theretrran in the size ot the dimension X. The dimension Y remains the sanlefor all tags in both divisions. The third. tourthand ti'tth divisionsI ot tags coniprise in the saine nlanner groups of five tagseach, the shape ot the top ot' the first tag in eaeh division being shown in Figs.

11; 1Q and 12% respectively. and the size va rj'- ing in the sarneway as explained tor the first and second divisions. The dimension. Y remains. constant throughout, but with each division the dimension X varies. I find it not var v.

convenient in the third division to make X eqnalto .65 on the opposite or right side ot the vertical center line; in thefonrth di vision, .15 on the right side of the, vertical center line; and in the fifth division .25 on the right side of the center line.

From the Labove and from lnspection 0f Figs. to 13 inclusive, it will be clear that while in any given division the tags vary in width, the tags in that division have the same din'lension X, and that this dimension ditlers with each division; also tlnittliriinlghout the iivedivisions the dimension Y does running a new series of notches across the top as in Figs. 15 and 1G, which show the shapes oiE the tops of the first and second ta of the first division of the second series. In the .samewav a third series otY tags numbered from 51 to T5: and a fourth seriesnumbered from 76 to`100may be made. I find that i:9625fis a eoi'iveniei'it amount to increasiJ `the dimension Y with each series and this increase is indicated in Fig. 1l as the,A

dimension T. f

IVhen the tag is loaded into the Aarrier 8 on the eonveyer` chain 2G of a single series 'or twenty-tive bundle al'iparatils, it stays in These .twenty-five tags, having the carrier until it is released therefrom by a trip 27, the action or non-action of which is determined yby tne extent of the notch It' the notch extends nearlyr across `the tag Vas in Fig 5', the crmveyer QG carries the tag past all the trips 27V, QTIV, ZTIII and 2711, but the last trip to be reached 271 eXte-nds out far enough to catch and release the tag, from the carrier. Each section of track dividedinto assoli-ting divisions `with a. trip at the enteringr end ot each division. They trip 'BTI which is reached by the carrier last o'lE all is at the entering end of the first asserting division: that is, viewingFigQ, the carrier S travelsiroin left toright and the lirst assorting division of the track' is at the right as indicated on the ,figuri-'7, the second. third and fourth assorting divisions being broken out to reduce the length of the ligl'lre.

After its rel ase from the carrier 8, the tag then rides directlyT on the track Q1-Q2 until the widening slot permits" it to4 drop through into the receiver 12 which allows it to slide down in to the collector 14. The tags ot the first division, 5 to 9 inelusive, are all released from the carrier onto the track by the trip E271 which is the lVith a single section of track as shownA in Fig. 2, only the first series of twenty-five tags is used, but I contemplate arranging my'apparatus so that the purchaser may, by

' lthe insertion into the trackway of a second of Whatever division orseries have the same' section ahead of the first section and the use of a second series of tags, increase the` capacity of the apparatus'to fifty'bundles.

In the same way a third section may be inserted ahead of the second and a fourth sec` tion ahead of the third' and a third and fourth series of tags added so that vthe capacity of the apparatus may beincreased as desired.

In a multiple series apparatus it will be understood that the tags having the great.

est dimension Y, that is, the greatest height above the horizontal center line, are most conveniently disposed of first, the shortest tags being carried to the end of the machine farthest from the loading point before they are tripped out ofthe carrier onto the track. The tags of the first series are the shortest; the tags of the second series 'are the dimension T, Fig. 14, higher than those of the first series, andtherefore the trips forre-v leasing them from the carriers are spaced vhigher than the trips for the first series so vthat the first series tags will kpass under the Asecond series trips without being released. In the same Way the third series of tags are 2T higher than the first series; and the fourth series higher, and the trips for these series are spaced at corresponding heights so that no tag of a series can engage the trip for the seriesof a higher number.

It should also be noted that all the'tags dimension R; that is, the height from the bev ginning of the shoulder 23 to the horizontal .center line of the lugs 16v is.` the same for` all tags,v In order to insure that the tags are properly placed in the carrier 8, means may be provided for rejecting from the carrier tags wrongly placed therein. In thisf case the tag is provided with a recess 28, Figs. 10 and 11, which is explained under Preferably the tag is formed Without sharpcorners.

lThe conveyer, (Figs. l, 2 and 3.)

The conveyer consists of an endlesschain 26 carried by sprocket Wheels 31-and 32. \The sprockets are mounted 1n a` frame 1n- -cluding members 33 preferably supported from an I-beani 34. The'I-beam is conveniently carried by arch members 35 supported on the vertical members 36 Which rest upon the floor. The shaft 37 of one of the sprockets is extended .to carry a pulley 38 which is driven, by'the belt 39 from some suitable source of power (not shown). Preferably the ratio of speeds is such.y that the movement ofthe convey'er chain 26 is rather slow.- The sprocket 31 is preferably adjustable sopthat the tension ofthe conveyer chain 26 may be varied. This'is accomplished by positioning the sprocket shaft 42 in a slot 43 by means of a set screw. 44. A nut 45 on each end of the shaft serves to fix the position of the shaft Whenadjusted. Preferably a slide Way or support 4T for the upper reach of chain is disposed in the upper portion of the frame and a guardplate fl8iis preferably arranged in front of the chain lat the point Where the tags are inserted into the carrier. This guard plate is preferably secured to the a'djustable sprocket mounting so tliat'its position relative to the sprocket and carriers traveling therefrom is not disturbed by the adjustment of the sprocket 31. The plate is further securedto the frame by means of' screws-19 arranged in slots 51. The chain is composed of suitable links, between which are incorporated at intervals cairier links 52. Each of the carrier links is provided with an outstanding Wall or lug to which is pivotally 'connected the carrier S, a lug 51 of the latter seatingin an aperture of the vvall 53 and being held therein by the screw 55. Theconveyer performs a tivo-fold function. During the first stage of the progress of the tag through the machine the Weight of the tag and Whatever is attached to it rests directly upon4 the carrier which may be considered as part of the conveyer. During the secondstageof the sorting operation, the tag is thrown off' of but not out of the ,arrrien so that the Weight of the tag is rne directly by the track, the conveyer then acting merely to propel the tag along the track until it drops through.

i The carrier, (Figs. 1, 2 and 3.)

angle to the line of travel. In an apparatus to be used only for asserting and where the chain is carriedon sprockets set in a vertical plane, the carrier extends outwardly Aat substantially right langlesto the plane of the chain, but Where the apparatus is to. be used in a dry room or .where the chain must 'make turns around-'sprockets set in a horizontal plane, the carriers are, arranged on thechain substantially in the plane of the -the tag from twisting out of the proper ythe slot center 5 the the chain. l lreerahlrthe carriers are so ni'ounted as to hawl a limited pi\'otal'niotioli upon the carrier links 52. and on the lower reach of the chain. may slide along in contact with thetracks 31, and 22. lre'lerahly the ends of the earrier abut against the upstanding,r edges-oiu the track nienihers :Il and 22 so that lateral disl'ilacen'ient relative-to the line of tra \'el is prci'eiited w`hen the trip sweeps the tag out of the carrier. lreferahly also a portion 56 of the carrier extends dowii-V wardly betweenthe tracks so that as niuch hearing surface asvpossihlc is provided to niaintajn the tag in position when it rests upon the t'rack as shown in4 Fig. 20.

' The. surface ot the carrier in contact with the track is preifei'alil)r increased by the eX- tension 5T and this is done to secure greater stabilitiv of the carrier and prevent rockil'ig.)r thereof. rl`he bodiy of the carrier iS provided with -a slot 111 sutlicientli' wide to receive the hed)v oi the tag edgewise therein. rfhe en trance to the` slot is widened so that the tagl niay easil \`v he inserted hij the operator while the carrier is'iii inotion.

At' a point preferably slightlyv to the Side of a vertical phi ne running through the center line ot' 'the track slot. the top ot' the Carrier is provided with a lshallow seat (i2 in which the lugs 1li ofthe tags are. adapted to rest. vliiinualiately beyond this seat the `slotis widened into a' channel (i3 so that the tagl inchuling the lugs lli will pass through it. This .channel tilslopes downwardly a1id away troni the chain Maud is widened un troni the s-at (i2-and falls upon the track 2144-22. -it nia i' assun'ie a rerticalliv upright position. its rerti .al center line intersecting line' as Shown iii Fig. zo.

The guard plate 4H is placed so that the l'ipera'tor cannotpusli the tag too tar hack 4in the-slot (3.1. and at loading the tag is vnierelliI "pushed in until it strikes 4the guard when it will th'eii rest ou the slanting top ot" the carrier jaws-T as l`shown in Fig.' 3. The first step in, the autoiinitic operation apparatus is'sthe'pla'ciiig of the 'tag Vs'eatffll :u-coniplished jby the contact. ot tag shank 2 with the slanted edge (S5 .oi' track ifiieniber .12 aided 'by the sloping surtaceot-the carrier.` It' the slant (il is alone suiiicientto seat the tag as soon as the guard platelo is passed. onli,Y a touch `oi the edge (Sziis necessary to accomplish it. Fig. 1i.)` shows the tag in the carrierresting in the top yin tlieseat.h 'lri'eiferahtv the seat 62 is so placed on the carrier that when the tag is, restingthereinf the, shank Prot the tag almost touches the edge of the traclcL- at the narrowest portion l) ofthegroove in the track.

4FigLfZO shows the tag 4after it has been released from the Seat ($2, resting on the track 3l-22 but still inthe slot (51 of the carrier 8. I

11i case it is desired to prere'nt the insertion track also serre to-stitifen tlie 'f1ai1ie con struction. The position ot' the sprockets 3l and 232 in the traine suchtliat the lower reach ot the. conreyer chain 26 lies just above the track 2l. the carriers S spanning' the spacehetween the tracks and extendingl across upon the other track member '122.

["oiconrei'iience in reference the track is.

divided into a loading division. includingthe space at one Vend in which the tags are inserted intotlie carriers; a seating division, in which the tags areall pushed back into the. seat ('12 in which the)v hang` suspended near the center ot' the track slotfpa rejection division. in which tags wrongly'placed in thje carriers are released and dropped out of the niachne: and one or ii'iore asserting sections. according `to the capacit),v of the nia' chine` cach nssorting section being,r divided into lire assorti ug d i Visiona,

'lhe track 2'.) begins at the seating division, learng the carriers free ot' access over .the entire loading division. rl`he' two tracks 21 and z2 are spaced apart and the edges stepped sol that a slot is t'ornicd between the tTacks which varies in width on cach side of the longitudinal center line The edgetii ol the trai-'k "2 is gi\'en a lougslalitso that tags inserted in the carrier in the loading derision are engaged hi' this edge and pushed backward, the lugs 1G resting in the .\t the rejection division the track slot widened as slionfirat tl, Fig. so that the largest tag will fall tliro'ugtritI it is ejected troni the carrier at this division. The slot ioi' each :is-sorting division is the saine and 'comprises a. subdivision l) which is slightl)v wider than the-shank -ffi ot' the tag, but sinaller than the head ot' the sniallesttag.

rIhe next subdivision' .EV is slightly' wider than the, head ot the smallest "size tag: the

subdivisions F, (if. il. andI are'each slightlyr larger one will pass. Preferably, the first part of each subdivision isa few thousandths The tags ofythe fifth division (Fig. 13) are of an inch wider tha-n the rest of that subnotched the least and these tags are .tripped 6'5v division. At the end of the fifth. asserting from the 'carrier by' thetrip 27V which exdivision, the slot narrows 'to' the first subtendstoward the center lineIA`-1A only far 5 division. D of the fourth assorting'd-ivision. enough to engage the :edge 775 of that 'dif In each asserting division the subdivisions vision. u 1 E, F, H and I correspond vto the sizes of Where the apparatus is builtwitha seo- "70 tags shou'nin Figs. 9, 8, 7, 6 and 5 respecond-section ontrack vand a' secondseriesA fl .tively. As vill be clear from the above, the tags, the trips on this secondv section are sgg 10 c'onveyer carries the tag to a certain assortthe dimension T higher than those on th ing dlvision and drops itv upon the track at lfirstsection so as toengage the higher tags f, the beginning of the division, then pushes vof the second series, but otherwise the trips 7E-i it -along until it reaches the slot subdivision arev the same. i y A' of corresponding size, when it drops through. ys the -trip moves'thev tag backward out 15 In order 'to'provide for an extension of 'of th e.seat, there is 2li-'tendency for the tag the apparatus from twenty'-fi\'e bundle ca-v to pivot about the vlugs 16; By arranging paeity to fifty bundles or more each of the the seat 62 on the earrier'slightl tothe side 80 Vtrack Inelnbers- 2l and 22 are preferably of the centerof the slot. as alreay explained, separable betweenrgthe" rejection division and this,swinging'-motionv of the tag is prevented 2 0 the asserting divisions and the parts at that by theshank 3 of the tag engaging the edge point joined securely by bolts passinfy vof the track 22.- f r 1 through flanges v"71. The first-section whic It may he advisable to make the slot 61 in 35 'carries the driving sprocket for the conveyer the carrier Without theld'ge 66, Fig. 21, so chain' is' always assembled on the 'extreme that tags can be inserted therein With either I 25 endl 'of the apparatus. lVith the lengthenside forward and sincethe trips lire prefer-v ing of the track by the vinsertion of new secably arranged to act only when the tags are"4 tions it is of course necessary to lengthen the. placed in the carriers with the numbered' 90 conveyer chain to correspond .It is underface f01xvard,"means maybe. provided fon stood that except for' the position of the vejecting from the carriers any tagwronglyff L "30 trips, and the drivingsprocket in the first' placed therein. -Thisme'anspreferably com i f section, all thetrack sections are the same. prises'a thin plate 81 having a slanting edge tripa-Tlie trips 27 comprise means 82 secured-tol the track 22st sucha height 951 for releasing the tags fronifthe'carriers so'A4 that )vhenjthegtag's areproperly placed'in that they are .transferred or delivered onto the carrier, theyare carried pastthe' trip 81, -A 35. the 'ti-ack.' The trip is pivotally'niountedon Whichpassesthrough'the recess. .28 .of' the.. l a platefTQ which .extends-outwv-ardly-'from tag. A"-'Iff the tag is placed vironglyzin the the-"track and is'v placedatsuch a height that carrier, the'side which' has no recess strikesl'oo .it engages only. the extreme. lupper portion the slantingedge82 and is sweptgout of the of the tags of thecorresponding series: The` seat 62 and 'falls through the track'out of 10'r trip l2f? is providedlwith-a pin 73 extending the'rnachineb The recess 28, ifi'used 'at all,

upwardly through the slot 7i in 'the' plate is formed in all-fthe tags-of Whatever series. 72 and engaging a spring 75- which 'tends to' It Inay be formed :distinct from thenotchlps keep the trip in th'ejretracted position. A 25 as i 'x1`.Fig;'1l, butrit will be found con`l .notch 7.(3 is out gin' the forward vedge;(ifthe ojforlnbne asa continuation of lthe 45. trip and theftripfisso 'placedlaterallylof the. 'otb'li'nE- igg 10. .linefof travelpf the- 'tagsf thatjt'heed-g-'7 i the projecting lugs 10 bearing against thev approaching tag is cut away so that the tag engages only the prong S5, which projects` ont across the center line of the track slot.

The forward travel 'of the tag along the trackwav swings the receiver bau-,kward against the resistance ot' the spring Hl'i until the receiver slot, .l lies in a plane pret'- erably substantially perpeiulicular to the center line oi the track slot at which point 'the tagl -has reached the dropping point. lt' the tag is not oi' the size to drop through the track s lot atthis point. or iii the tag is still in the carrier. the receiver swings around with the tag until released therefrom. when it springs back into place. li'vthe tag is on the track and ot the size to drop through the slot. it tails and the llanged edge 8T' of the projecting .prongcatches under the lug lli. rllheftag then slips down the. edge ST into the slot i) where it is supported b v both lugs. ln order to avoid the chance of the tag slipping ofi' ot the edge of the prong. the 'edge is upturned i or flanged as shown in Fig. l and the shape ot' the lug is suchtiiat it hooks over this edge. t'urther iniiueiice in this direction is etl'ected by the spring pressed return nioveineut of the receiver. the instant the tag is released from the track and the carrier. rl`hat is. during the instant which thel tag is supported by its lug engaging the edge ST ot' the receiver, the receiver is swinging back against the tag. which has' passed downward into the slot i) before the receiver has completed the .recovenv 'niovenient. ly turning the edge ST of the re* at an angle to the horizontal below the disp .tion .)-i ot' the i'rauie work of the apparatus.

The lip 0l on the collector is provided with a hole which engages a pin 05 on the traine work. The collector is removed by lifting' the lower cud oli of the pin andswinging to oneV side. when the upper end uiay be withdrawn t'roin the bracket extension 92. The upper' end ot' the slot 13 in the collector widened out sutliciently to avoid jamining the tags as they discharge. from the receiver and the bottoni portion of the collector extends under the receiver -for a short distance so that a tag discharging from the receiver Jt'alls directly upon the Collector. 'lhe collectorseach preferably bear a nu'rnbei' corresponding to the number of the tags" they are adapted to receive. The collector l-l.` Fig. 2. receives the second smallest tag of the iiist division and is therefore given .the uuniber, since the #l tags are collected in it.

The 'corra-ters, (Figs. 2 and '3.) Preferably a counter 9T arranged-so that the actuating lever 0S is operated by every tag which enters-the fifth assertingr division. This counter gives the. total 'pieces handled in any given ruit Prefenl .1 catch, or stop 91 is provided at the ablya counter 00 is also arranged adjacent each collector so that the nuinber ofpieces therein niav be ascertaiinfd. I prefer to ziotuate the collector counters by utilizing the shortfall otrthe tag from' the receiver into the collector to close an electrical cirduit i, which operates the counter.

` ceiver upward substantially at rightangles;

inade ot sheet metal.v

thelange provit'les in additionto the fu'nof tion just explained abroad wearing surface, which is important lif the receiver is.

The receiver is secured to a bracket SS lon the track or traine by a pivotal connection Stllthrough itstop wall. The slot 9 in tlieb'ottoin wall ot' the receiver terniinates at a point preferably in vertical -aline nient with thel center line of the pivot 89 sol'that the position of the end of the slot is them to the collector 1-1 which is arranged The. function of the re A lever 101 is pivoted at 102 to an extension 10J-3 of the bracket 8S and is weighted at 'the end 101 so as to slightly over balance it and keep the end npagainst the receiver. As the tag discharges from the receiver 12 it contacts with the lei-*er 101 which .gives wavn'incl allows the tag to `fall upon the underlying end of the collector.

As the end of the lever moves downwardly l with the falling tag,A the integral arrn105 closes the counter circuit 106,throngh the contact point 107.l As soon as the tag slides intoI the collectorthe overloalanced lever 101 returns to vnormal position.

I inayelectrioally operate bothftotal and collector counters and place them allA to.- gether, each' collector counter being identivfied by a number corresponding to the tags and collector to which relates. l

. Operation ofI the apparatus.

A basket of the tagged pieces' to be assortedis placed convenient to the hand ot the operator'ivlio sits at the side of the machine at theloading division. The. pieces are taken from the basket one at a time and the tags thereon thrust edgeivise and tace forward, into -the slots (il of the slowly moving carriers 8 as they 'pass alongI the loading` division. The operator pushes the .tags back- Ward against the guard 4S leaving the atl,shown in Fig. 3. The guardtermimites with. 'the loadingdivision and on'entering the tache'd article hanging below the carrier, as

seating division the tagl shank is engaged by theangularly disposed edge of the'track 22 Which slides the tag down the sloping 'edge'64 until the lugs on the tag rest in the seats 62. The carrier then enters the rejection division'where the trip S1 ejects from the ca 'er any tag. not properly placed therein. If properly placedthe tag'jis carried past the rejection division and into con'- tactj with the counter operating vshaft 98 after which the carrier conveysthe tag into the. fifth asserting division, Assume the-tag vdivision and swept 1o to be No. 4.` It-Wil-l pass each of the .trips 27V, 271V, 2711i and 271i, 0f the nini,

`fourth, third and second*assorting Vdivision respectively, and will swing each' ofthe re .Ceivers in those divisions vas it passes by; Since Number 4 tagbelongs'irithe first-division it is caughtby the ,trip 27I of, that of its seat on the carr'iei,. and delivered-upon the track.. It still is held in the slot-61A ofthe carrier, however, and4 is therefore still propelled fori'vard, be-

1 ing prevented from twisting out of the sub sta'ntially lvertical plane by its engagement in the carrier slot between the jaws 7 and. thev projections' 5G. Sliding upon the -track'it finally engages the prong 85- ofthe receiver 12 as it 'nears the endvof the tirentay-.third subdivision lof' the track slot which, is'siib-l vdivision G of theffirst assortingdivision.'

engaging over the flanged edge 87 of the rev`As Vit enters the Vtwenty-iourtli subdivision I-I I.the No. 4 receiver is appro'Xiiiiatelyat rightl angles to the tra.ck, and`the' tag i:`allii if, ,fl

through the track slot isV caught, one lug 16 ceiver. As thereceiyer returns tol normal position 4the tag slides downwardlythrough the slotl 9 and drops into the. collector 14,;` actuating 'the operatingllever lOl-of the counter 99 as it leaves the receiver. -Itthen vslidesinto the catch -9-1'at the lower end of the collector. Afterv a run is Completed.

the nunriberfofv pieces' in-'each collectoris checked against the memorandnm'count. A-

' tape-is then passed about th'eperident bundle of pieces vand tied or buckled to hold Vthem all port-ing means.

together; the catch 91 is slipped back and the bundle drawn out ot' the collector. Since they are all at-`one end ot' thebilndle, the tags are easil)Y and quit-lla'. removed from the pieces and thrown into a numbered compartment to await further use upon a new bundle. I claim 1. In an assortingapparatus, supporting means attacliable to the articles to be assorted, 'a carrier adapted to carry said supporting means a'nd means for releasing the supporting means from 'the carrier at predetermined points.

2. In an assortmg apparatus, supporting means attachable to the articles t'o be assorted, 'a carrier adapted to carry said supportmg means and 1neans"operated byvsaid supporting means for releasing the supportingr means from the carrier. '3. In an assorting'apparatus, a track, a

carrier movable along the track, supporting means attach'able to the articles to be assorted adapted to be carried by the carrier, and means io'r releasing said supporting means from said carrier onto said track at predetermined points.

4. In an assorting apparatus, a. track, a

carrier movable along the track, supporting f means'attachab'le to the articles to be' assorted adapted to be carried bythe Carr-ier,V and v-means for transferring the-weight of said.' supporting means from, said` carrier to said track at predeterininedrpoints. f

5. In an asserting apparatus,i atraclr, a-

carrier movable along the track, supporting means attachable to the articles'be assortedadapted to be`carried bythe carri'ei", and means operated by said. supporti-ngjmean's for transferring theweight of said supporting means and attached article fronifth'e-ca-rrier to said track at'predetermined points.

6.=In an'assorting apparatus, a"track, a

carrier movable-along the track-,supporting means .attacliable to the articles." to be: as-I sorted "adapted to be carried by the carrier and means for transferring. the Weigh-teli'.l ""sa'id vsupporting means from ysaid carrier to said 'track at predeterminedfpoii'its, l.saidf'f trackbeing arranged to drop said' supporting means at predetermined points.

l 7, In an asserting apparatii s, a track, a'

carrier movable along the' track, supporting meansattachable to the 'articles-to be assorted`adapted to be A-carried b'yisaid carrier,' means for transferring -sa'id'f supporting., means from' the. v carrier tothev track' and' means: in `said'tr-ack for releasing said sup- 'f-i 8..In an asserting" moparatn a4 tra I carrier vn'uvable along the track, supper means attachableto the' articles `1 ;o'be assort-- .means for transferring said supportingbe assorted slidable on said track and means for delivering said supporting 'means upon said track at predetermined points.

10. In an assorting apparatus, a track, supporting means attachable to the articles to be assorted slidable on said track and iiieansor delivering said supporting means upon 'said track at predetermined points and propelling said supporting means along said track. i i

11. In "an assorting apparatus, a track, supporting means attacliable to the articles to `be 'assorted slidable on said track, means for delivering said supporting means upon said track at predetermined points and pro pelling said supporting means along said track, and means in said track for releasing said supporting means at predetermined 12. In an asserting apparatus, a track, a

carrier movable along'tlie track, supporting means attacliable to the articles to be assorted adapted to be carried'by said carrier, means for transferring. said supporting means from the carrier to the track7 means in said track for releasing said supporting means at.predetermined'points, and` means for conducting said. released supporting means to the collection point corresponding thereto. y'

13. -In an assorting apparatus, a track, a carrier movable along the track, supporting Vmeans attachable tothe articles to be lassorted adapted to becairied by said carrier, means for transferring said supporting means from the carrier to the track, means in said track for releasing said sup- 'porting means at predetermined point-s.I and a. collector arranged to receive said released supporting means. z

14. In a-n assort'ng apparatus, a track, a carrier movable along the track, supporting means attachable to Ythe articles to be assorted adapted to be carried by said carrier,

means for transferring said supporting means from the'carrier to the track at precarrier mo 'able along the track, supporting determined points, said track being arranged to release said supporting means at predetermined points', and a receiver below said track adapted` to catch said released supporting mea-ns.

I15. In an assorting apparatus, a track, supporting means attachable to the articles to be assorted slidable on said track, means 'for delivering said supporting means upon said track at predetermined points and propelling said siipportingmeans along said track, said track being arranged to release said supporting means at predetermined points', and a collector arranged to receive said released supporting means adjacent said track. l. f

16." In an assorting apparatus, al track, supporting means attachable to the articles to be assorted sl idable on said track, means' toi" delivering said supporting means upon said track at predetermined points and propelling said supporting means alongsaid track, means in said track Vfor releasing said supporting means at predetermined. points, a collector for said supporting means arranged adjacent tlietrack, and a receiver 'adapted to catch the support-ing means released froin the track and conduct said supporting means to said collector.

1T. In an assorting apparatus, a track,a carrier movable along the track, supporting means attacliable `to the articles to be as'- sorted 'adapted to be carried by said carrier, and means for transferring said supporting means from the carrier to the track at points determined by the shape of said supporting means. y

15%. In an assorting apparatus, a track, a carrier movable along the track, supporting means attacl'iable to the articles 'to be assorted adapted to be carried by said carrier, means for transferring said supporting means from the carrier to the track at points determined by the shape of said'supporting means, and means in said track for releasing said supporting meansa't points determined by, its Width. Y

19. In Ian assorting apparatus, al track,

,supporting means attachable to thearticles Vto be assorted slidable on said track, and

means for delivering said supporting means upon said track at points determined by the shape of said supporting means.

20. In an asserting apparatus, a track, supporti-ng means attacliable to the articles to be' assorted slidable on said track, means for delivering said supporting means upon said track at points determined by the conformation of the upper portion of said supporting means, said track being arranged to release said .supporting means atpoints de- "termiiied bythe width of said supporting means.

y 21. In an assorting apparatus, a track, a

ine-.ins attachable to thearticles to be assorted adapted to be carried by said carrier and means for transferringr said supporting means from fthe carrier to tlie track'at preico los

determined points, said` track being arranged i to release said supporting means at predetermined points and said carrier being adapted to propel said supporting means along 'said l track to said release point.

22. In an assorting apparatus, supporting means attachable to the articles to be paratus, and mechanism for effecting thev discharge of said supporting means from said apparatus at points determined by the shape and the size of said supporting means. 23. In an assorting apparatus, supporting means attachable -to the articles to be assorted adaptedto be conveyed in said apparatus, individual collectors for the assorted Y* articles, and mechanism for effecting the transference of said supporting meansinto said collectors at points determined by 'the -shap'e and the size of said supporting means.

24. In an asserting apparatus, means for identifying and carrying individualarticles through said apparatus and means for re leasing said identifying and carrying means at points determined by its shape and Width.

25. In an assorting apparatus, a track having a slot of varylng Width, supporting means attachable to thea-rticles 'to be as- Sortedslidable on 'said track, and means forv delivering said supporting means upon" said track at predetermined points and propelling said supporting lneans along the track,- said slot varranged to drop saidV supporting means at predetermined points.'

26. In an assorting apparatus, supporting means attachabl'eto and identifying the articles to be assorted, a oonveyer adapted t0 Vcarry said supporting .and identifying .means, andmeans for releasing said means from the conveyer at predetermined points. 27. In an assortmg' apparatus, a track,

an endless conveyer arranged adjacent thev track, supportingmeans attachable to and identifying the articles to be assorted adapted to be carried and propelled alongv Said track by said conveyer, and means for transferringsaid supporting and identifying means fronrsaid conveyer to said track.

28. In an assortng apparatus, a track, an endlessconveyer arranged adjacent the track, supportingmeans attachable to and identifying the articles to be assorted adapted to be carried and propelled along Said track by said conveyer,1neans for transferring said supporting 'and` identifying means from the conveyer to the track -and means in said track for releasing said supporting and identifying means therefrom aty predetermined points.

29. In' an assorting apparatus, a track, an endless conveyer arranged adjacent the track, supporting means attachable to and identifying the articles to be assorted adapted to be carried and propelled along said track by said, conveyer, means for transferring said supporting and identifying means from the conveyer to the track at predetermined points, said track arranged to release said 'supporting and identifyin means at predetermined points and a. colector arranged adjacent said track 30. In an asserting apparatus,I a track having a slot comprising a plurality of assorting divisions, each division comprising a plurality of subdivisions of varying Width, supporting means attachable` to articles to be assorted slidable on said track, and means for delivering said supporting means upon said trackat the beginning of predetermined divisions of said slot.

31. In an .assorting apparatus, a track having a slot comprising a plurality of assorting di\f'isions,each division comprising a plurality of subdivisions of varying width, supporting means attachable to articlesv to `be assorted Slidable on said track, means for delivering said supporting means upon said trackat the beginning of predetermined divisions -of said slot, and means for 'propelling said supporting means along said track.

32. In'yan asserting` apparatus, a track having a slot comprising a plurality of asserting divisions, each division comprising a plurality of subdivisions of varying width,

supporting means attachable to articles to be assorted slidable on said track, vvmeans for delivering said supporting means upon said track at the beginning of predetermined divisions of said slot, and means for propelling said supporting means along said track, said supporting means being adapted to drop through said slot at points determined by its Width. v

33. In an asserting apparatus, a track divided into a plurality of assortingdivisions,v each division comprising a. slot 'of` varying width, a conveyer arranged adjacent the Vassorting divisions, supporting.

means attac-hable toV articles tobe assorted adapted to be carried by said conveyer4 across said divlsions, means for transfer ring said supporting means from said conveyer to predetermined asserting divisions and means for propelling saidsupport.. T means along said division.

' 3l. In an .assorting apparatus,'a track,

supporting means'attachable to the articles* to be assorted slidable on said track, means for delivering said supporting means upon said i tack at predetermined points and means for propellingsaid supporting mea-ns along said track.

35. In,v an .assorting,r apparatus, supporting means attachable to the articles to-be assorted adapted to be conveyed in said apparatus, means for effecting the discharge of said supporting means from a predetermined portion of said apparatusand a collector adapted to collect the discharged supporting means and the attached articles in a bundle having all the supporting means at one end. n

aoV

. along the track.

36. In an assorting apparatus, a track, a'qarrier movable along the track, supporting `means attachable to the articles to be assorted adapted to be carriedby said carrier and a trip adjacent to said track adapt edto release said supporting means from said carrierv whereby it falls upon said ,tr'ack.v

37. In an assortmg appa 1a tus a track,

acarriermovable along the track, supporting lmeans attachable to the articles to be 7 assorted adapted to be farried by said car- -rier, and means adjacent said track for releasing from the carrier, supporting means wrongly placed therein. 38

along the track, supporting means attachableV to the articlesto be assorted adapted to be carried on said carrier 1n said slotand means for dropping said supporting means While retamed in said slot upon said track. 1 39. In an asserting apparatus, a track,

a carrier having "a slot therein movable along the track, supporting means attachable to the articles to be assorted adapted to be carried on saldcarrier 1n said slot, means for dropping said supporting means While retained in said slot upon said track at predetermined points, said track' being arranged to allow said supporting means to drop therethrough out ot the slot in said carrier` at predetermined points.

t0. In an asserting apparatus, a track having a slot of varying width, a. carrier `having a slot'therein movable along then track, supjnrrtmg means attachable to the articles to l. i assorted adapted to be seated on. said carrier in said slot centrally over said `track slot, and `l'neans adjacent the tack for unseating sa'id supporting means from said carrier, whereby the supporting means drops upon said slotted track while .retained in. said carrier slot.

41. In an assortmg apparatus, a track,

a. carrier movable along the track, support ing means atti'ichal'ilc tothe articles to be assorted` adap d to be carried by said carrier, means t r releasing said supporting means from the .arrier to the track and the supporting means means for propelling A In, an a. `ort'ug apparatus,l a track, a carrier havu'lg a slot thereln movable a seat and movable along said carrier seat a'nd'means adjacent theend of said guard for automatica11jr seating saidl supporting means in sai'd seat.

44. In an assorting apparatus, a track having a slot, a carrier ha-vinga seat arranged above said slot and movable `along the slot, sul'ipo'rting means attachable tothe articles to be assorted ,adapted to be carried by said carrier, a guard for prevent-ing the placing ot' said supporting means upon said cari-unl` seat and means adjacent the end of said guard for automatically seat-ing said supporting means in said seat.

l5. In an asserting apparatus, a track, supporting n'icans attachablet'othe articles to be assorted slidable along the track, said track being arranged to' release. said supporting means at 'predetermined p oints, and

therein arranged below the track and adapt- `ed tola-tch the said released supporting means.

IG. In an assorting apparatus, a track having aslot of varying Width, and a pivotally mounted receiver having a. slot thereu in arranged below the track, the receiver on one side ofits slot extending outwardly across the center' line of the ltrack slot.

i7. In an asserting apparatus, a track,

and a receiver having a. slotted bottom wall pivotally mounted below the track, the edge ot 'the walliuljacmit the slot being flanged.'

.-iS. In an assortingapparatus, a track having a slot,.and a l'iivotally mounted receiver having a slotted bottom Wall, arranged below said track, the receiver on one side `a pivotallymounted receiver' having a slot ot its slot extemling outwardly across the center line of thtl track slot and being provided with a flanged edge.

hl1). In an asserting apparatus, a receiver having an inclined bottom 'all provided with a slot, the edge ol the wall adj acentl the slot being" flanged.

50.' In an asserting apparatus, supporting means attachable to the articles to be assorted adapted to be conveyed in said apparatus, means for eiltectingthe release of saidsupportilig means from predetermined points 1n said apparatus and a detachable collector arranged at each of said polnts to `receive said released means.

5l. In an assorting apparatus, a. plurality of slotted bottom collectors for the assorted articles and. means for listributing the assortedfarticles into the corresponding collector.` said collectors being detachabl connected to said' apjuiratus.

In an asserting apl'mratus. supporting means attacl'iable to the articles to be assorted, means for effecting a sej'iaration of said supporting `means into divisions of related units and means for assortil'lg each division into its units.

In an asserting apparatus, supporting rier at a predetermined point;

means attachahle to the articles to be assorted, means io'r effecting a separation of said supporting means into divisions of re..

lated units,` means for asserting each division into its units and means for separately attachable to the articles to be assortedi adapted to be inserted in said slot in one direction only.

55. In an assorting apparatus, an endless conreyer chain, a carrier -link in said chain and a carrier pivotally mounted on said carrier link. i

5G. In an assorting apparatus, an endless conveyer, a carrier, pivotalljy mounted 0n to the articles to be assorted adapted tobe inserted in said carrier and means for releasing the supporting means from ltlie'car- 57. In an asserting apparatus, atrack,

to be assorted slidahle on said traekgiiiinta'i'y means for delivering said supporting means upon said track and propelling said snpporting means along said track and means for maintaining said supporting means on said track in substantially constant angular relation thereto.

58. In an assorting apparatus, supporting means attachable to the articles to be assorted adapted to be conveyed in said apparatus, collectors for each of the supporting means, mechanism for effecting the transfer of said supportingv means into said collectors at points determined bv the shape and size of said supporting Ameans. and a counter arranged tobe actua-ted by said Supporting means.

59. In an assorting apparatus, a carrier having a s lot therein, a supporting means provided with a lug and attachable tofarticles to be assorted adapted to be supported in said carrier slot bvysaid lug, said carrier slot being provided with a'channel through i ivliichsaid lug is adapted to pass.' y

track beingarranged to release saidsupporting means at predetermined points, and

a recen'er'arranged ad'acent the track andl adapted to catch sai supporting means after it is released from said track.v y

61. In. an asserting apparatus, atrack, `-.supporting means attachable tothe'articles said conveyer, sul'porting means attachablegh to be assorted slidable alongithe .ftrack, 'said track beingarranged to release v sa'id ,supi

porting means' at predetermined points, a

receiver arranged adjacent the .trackjand adapted to catch said supporting means Y after it is released from said track and a. 'supporting means attacliable to the articles/iff.

spring4 for nolrmally lm lding said ,receiverl in position. Y

62.-*In an asserting apparatus, support-lVV ing ineansattachable/to `the articles to be assorted adapted to be conveyed in said apparatus, means for eif'etiiig the release of said supporting means from predetermined points in aportionv of said apparatus and means for receiving said supporting means at said release points and'conducting them to a collection '.point.

In t'estimon whereof, I have hereunto set my hand at an Francisco, California, this 22d day of Mayv1916.

DONALDv H. PARCE. y

, I presence of-l C. S. Evans, 

